Expectations are relatively tepid for Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
We’re now eight years removed from the “Golden Generation” making it to the semifinals at Russia 2018, and the most recent major tournaments have ended in disappointment for The Red Devils, so there isn’t much support for Rudi Garcia’s side this summer.
Belgium is 40/1 to lift the trophy, putting them in the same range as Norway and Colombia.
That said, there are reasons to be optimistic about Belgium’s chances in this tournament. They’re still bursting with talent, they’ve got a cushy draw, and they won’t be feeling the burden of expectation.
Belgium opens its tournament as a -160 favorite over Egypt on Monday.
Kevin De Bruyne is still the heartbeat of Belgium’s lineup, but their main threat going forward is Jeremy Doku. The Manchester City winger is in a class of his own when it comes to beating defenders in 1-on-1 situations, and he gives this attack a dimension that few others in this tournament can offer. It’s not just Doku’s ability to beat players, but it’s the attention he attracts, which opens things up for Belgium’s other playmakers.
There are questions about whether or not Belgium’s strikers are good enough to go on a deep run, but against Egypt, it shouldn’t be a massive problem.
Egypt’s two best players, Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush, are forwards and can win matches on their own, but The Pharoahs don’t play a style that allows them to flourish. Salah and Marmoush will be at the tip of the spear, but the rest of their teammates will sit deep for most of the game and do everything they can to frustrate their opponents.
Sitting deep in a 5-4-1 is not a bad strategy when you’re a massive underdog, and it’s going to be a common tactic in this tournament since goal difference will play a monumental role, but Belgium is built to pick apart a defense that digs in.
De Bruyne is a master at pulling defenses out of their shape with a pinpoint pass, and Doku’s ability on the ball will keep this defense on its heels.
The threat of Salah and Marmoush is real, but Belgium’s versatile attack should have a field day with this defense.
The Play: Belgium -1.5 goals (+168, FanDuel)
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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